Powers

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Season 1
Season #: 2, 1
User Score
6.4

Generally favorable reviews- based on 108 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 63 out of 108
  2. Mixed: 18 out of 108
  3. Negative: 27 out of 108
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User Reviews

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  1. benderrodriguez
    Mar 16, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Pretty good show and has promise. It's basically The Incredibles and Cops bastard child. Not a bad thing altogether. It's not really a superhero show as much as it is human drama. For example, when Michelle Forbes as Retro Girl, shows how power really works; it meant how Retro Girl can command a room, with no Power altogether which is more deadly than using Powers. Overall, it has a decent premise, but it needs to add more meat.… Expand
  2. Denzelco
    Mar 17, 2015
    9
    Powers is amazing the story is interesting and I can't wait till it all airs on PSN it's about a cop with was a former super hero diamond the show look's like a blast
  3. jlplatten
    Mar 11, 2015
    7
    Watched the first three episodes last night, and I have to say that this is a decent start to a show. Through experience, I've come to the understanding that not all great shows start out great. The only show I know of to start out great and end great for me was Battlestar Galactica (2000s version). Anyways, this show has potential. It reminds me a lot of Heroes, Agents of Shield, andWatched the first three episodes last night, and I have to say that this is a decent start to a show. Through experience, I've come to the understanding that not all great shows start out great. The only show I know of to start out great and end great for me was Battlestar Galactica (2000s version). Anyways, this show has potential. It reminds me a lot of Heroes, Agents of Shield, and animated film The Incredibles. The one big difference is that this show is not designed to be watched by children. This is a big positive! Sometimes I wish every show could be on HBO (especially The Walking Dead).

    This show has interesting characters, which is the main reason I'll continue to watch. I want to see what happens to them next. However, I'm a little disappointed in the special effects, specifically for the scenes that display the powers of these super heroes/villains. Also, I'm not sure the storyline is being told clearly. I like the depth and history between the characters, but I'm not sure what each character is trying to achieve. I hope they get a clear direction for the story

    I will continue to watch. Definitely worth a look if you are into superheroes. Just don't have the expectations of being blown away.    … Expand
  4. AramZS
    Apr 28, 2015
    9
    The first episode is meh, but past it is one of the best super-hero TV shows I've seen. With an excellent cast, great visuals and an engaging plot Powers stands out. Though its take on heroes may no longer be as unique as it was in the comic, the show does a great job modernizing the plot and making the whole cast and storyline feel new again.
  5. Dude_Largepants
    Mar 11, 2015
    8
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Powers is a series about more than just superheroes. It's what reality would be like if super powered individuals existed, and it's very akin to modern times where the self-absorbed, entitled, You-tube watching crowd lead pop culture. Instead of heroes swooping in to save the day, you get a more personal view of the anguish and issues that arise from having powers.

    That being said, Powers begins with a gritty demonstration of its world when the lead, Christian Walker, watches his partner fail to handle a situation properly is killed. Enter Deena Pilgrim, Walkers new partner. Right away the show establishes Walker as a former hero who lost his powers in a super powered showdown and has since lived his existence as a normal human who often hates his new de-powered life. Without giving any more story away, Powers does a great job and introducing new characters at a decent pace without overwhelming the viewer all while setting up a fairly detailed back story through character interactions.

    The biggest fault of Powers isn't in the show itself, but the fact that the public seems to misunderstand the show. It's not meant to to be Arrow or Agents of Shield, but instead sets itself apart with more of a Law and Order SVU meets Heroes kind of vibe. Viewing it expecting over-the-top action and explosions Michael Bay would be proud of is a great disservice to the show. If you can wrap your head around the shows premise and gritty realistic take, you'll settle in for one hell of a ride(so far).

    Powers isn't without its flaws though. The show is filled with D-list actors that will have you thinking, "I've seen them on something else" almost the whole time. With that in mind the acting as actually pretty solid but has brief moments where the chemistry is noticeably off between actors, or lines fall flat of their intended effect. But in a way it lends itself to the awkwardness of reality and almost makes the show more believable. Almost. The series is set in Los Angeles with a lot of the show filmed out on the streets, but there are also a good many scenes filmed on large green-screened lots and it's sometimes noticeable. They do a good job making it look real, but there are moments when you see tracking issues with the fake background or notice looped CGI sequences. And speaking of CGI, most of the computer generated images in the show are top notch for a tv series. I say "most" because the graphics department seems to misunderstand how inertia and gravity works and you can tell when it comes to scenes involving flying. Sony products and properties are introduced ham-handedly in each episode, but that's to be expected from a Sony produced show and it was almost a breath of fresh air from other shows that heavily feature Apple products.

    When it comes down to it, Powers is a win in my book. Knowing the property, I was very pleased with the live action take on the comics. If you're looking for something outside the realm of big budget super-hero action and want to feel part of a more intimate take on the genre you won't find much better. If Sony can iron out some of the points that I made above, this show would easily sport a 10 rating.    … Expand
  6. WinterSoldierAM
    Mar 10, 2015
    7
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. Powers has the chance to be an amazing show. The first episodes introduce us to a former hero who is working for a police force that captures powered beings after losing his own powers. The acting by our lead character is excellent, while some supporting characters are little flat, the display of multiple heroes and villains battling is quite interesting, not quite Marvel level but worlds above what other shows have done in the past. I hope this show keeps it's grit and becomes even better in the future, but if you're a fan of superheroes and wonder what effect they would have on our world this is an excellent series to watch.… Expand
  7. toomodern
    Mar 15, 2015
    10
    Brilliant!this show is not common ,but it's funny,interesting and there are a lot of easter eggs for playstation fans(like inFamous ),actors are really good
  8. SeanGamerDays
    Mar 13, 2015
    10
    With #PowersOnPSN we can fly & fight bad guys for free! But, showing the epitach drama seems to me wasn't great... But still hold a large opportunity in it... Since you saw Sharlto play Christian Walker, he still has a small left-overs from CHAPPiE. But I don't blame him though... :)
  9. YeagleJeff
    Apr 14, 2015
    10
    This review contains spoilers, click expand to view. I was skeptical about the casting compared to the comic, but they pull it off. I like the idea of someone coping with losing their powers. We've seen plenty of movies and shows from the hero's perspective, but not to often people who deal with the aftermath of a super powered fight. It makes crimes involving super powers more gritty when it's a homicide or robbery or accident, than it always being apart of some master plan to rule/kill everything/everyone. The small details also make it entertaining like needing a pilot's license to understand how to fly in an active air space or when they register their power in weight/volume/speed. I'm interested to see how far this show will go and how different and similar it will be compared to the comic.… Expand
  10. markl006
    Apr 15, 2015
    10
    Cool show, some of the visuals are cheesy and some look great - Zora's blocks look really cool. The best thing about the show is the great sound, love Johnny Royal's "Blip".
  11. Whammaster
    Jun 7, 2015
    9
    The depth of story told in this tv show is fantastic. It starts of slow helping build the characters so you can become emotionally invested like any real and good book should do. As it does it builds the world around each character and helps you understand their lives and their feelings of what is going on this universe. The gritty attitude of this universe helps cement it as somethingThe depth of story told in this tv show is fantastic. It starts of slow helping build the characters so you can become emotionally invested like any real and good book should do. As it does it builds the world around each character and helps you understand their lives and their feelings of what is going on this universe. The gritty attitude of this universe helps cement it as something realistic.

    This tv show is not for those that want fast action, no plot, and just want to witness mind blowing explosions 24/7. The story and the plot will suck you in if you give it time. I fell into this tv show because my friend recommended it to me and i binged watched it for the past 3 days. This show will suck you in if you invest your time with it, it is not something you should expect to pick up and watch for 10 min and fully understand everything about it.    … Expand
  12. palarious
    Apr 21, 2015
    9
    Judging solely on the pilot, I would have given this show a 5, maybe a 6. It was truly unimpressive.

    The rest of the season so far up to episode 8 has been much more appealing, even original at times, which is difficult when making a show about superheros. By the acting alone, I'd have given it an 8, but I bump it to a 9 based on these things: 1. Eddie Izzard. His role as the    Judging solely on the pilot, I would have given this show a 5, maybe a 6. It was truly unimpressive.

    The rest of the season so far up to episode 8 has been much more appealing, even original at times, which is difficult when making a show about superheros. By the acting alone, I'd have given it an 8, but I bump it to a 9 based on these things:

    1. Eddie Izzard. His role as the terrifyingly enigmatic monster in the basement makes you truly believe the darkness in him, yet you want to know him, to pull that spike out of his brain and ask him "why?"

    2. A world where powers are not a new thing. It's rare to find a universe where the question isn't how society reacts to the emerging of powers but what we do when they have been relatively commonplace. What does this do to society and relationships?

    3. The characters(and their actors) dramatically improve throughout the season. Their actions and motivations become believable, even if that means the character is just a jerky guy.    … Expand
  13. eljayson
    May 13, 2015
    8
    I really like the approach to this show. I believe great things can come ahead. Acting is plain good from most characters and very good from Cooper. I do have to acknowledge VFX could use and upgrade because sometimes they are definitely lacking. The dynamic and development of the characters/story is what I love the most.
  14. bozley1990
    Apr 29, 2015
    9
    Short Version: Powers is a good show with huge potential, but be prepared for a few stumbles along the way.

    Long Version: Powers offers a slightly different take on the standard superhero show, as it focuses mostly on people who police and hold the "powers" accountable. The show feels like a crime series that happens to be set in a universe with super-powered humans. Powers is slow to    Short Version: Powers is a good show with huge potential, but be prepared for a few stumbles along the way.

    Long Version: Powers offers a slightly different take on the standard superhero show, as it focuses mostly on people who police and hold the "powers" accountable. The show feels like a crime series that happens to be set in a universe with super-powered humans. Powers is slow to start, but improves with every episode until you are left on the edge of your seat waiting in anticipation of the next episode.

    The Good: Interesting story, mostly interesting characters, refreshing take on the superhero show

    The Mediocre: Visual effects are hit and miss (some blow you away, others are reminiscent of the 80's)

    The Bad: Slow start and introduction to the show, a few lackluster characters

    Overall, Powers is an entertaining and appealing show. What it lacks in finesse and budget, it generally makes up for in quality of writing and delivery of ideas. Nothing is perfect, but Powers has tons of potential and I look forward to future seasons!    … Expand
  15. NotoriousFraud
    Jul 6, 2015
    8
    Who knew that a show from Play station would be this good. Powers Season 1 does a good job at setting up a world in which Super heroes (here called "Powers") exist, however it's still not a happy or snippy world like the Marvel Universe. Here, the Powers are deeply flawed individuals with obsessed followers that will do anything (like Prostitution or sharing blood) just for a chance toWho knew that a show from Play station would be this good. Powers Season 1 does a good job at setting up a world in which Super heroes (here called "Powers") exist, however it's still not a happy or snippy world like the Marvel Universe. Here, the Powers are deeply flawed individuals with obsessed followers that will do anything (like Prostitution or sharing blood) just for a chance to inherit their abilities. Sharlto Copley gives a great performance as Christian Walker, an Ex-Power turned mean spirited cop after having his abilities taken from him. I don't want to give the whole story in this review but i will tell you that it is a hell of a lot better than what a lot of other critics are saying about this show.… Expand
  16. nilsy
    Apr 30, 2015
    7
    Its has flaws in some bad actors and a few characters that could be better written and "ok" special effects.
    With these flaws into consideration the story is still very good and it grows each episode getting better and better. They managed to compressed the story quite nicely so it progresses fast.
    Think its one of the top5 best tv series on right now had a great time watching the    Its has flaws in some bad actors and a few characters that could be better written and "ok" special effects.
    With these flaws into consideration the story is still very good and it grows each episode getting better and better. They managed to compressed the story quite nicely so it progresses fast.

    Think its one of the top5 best tv series on right now had a great time watching the first season, it cries out for a second season.    … Expand
  17. antoinefisher
    Apr 3, 2015
    9
    this is a really good show if you give it a chance. the first episode was kind of slow and didnt click with me but after that episode the show picked up fast
  18. MrFeb25
    Apr 8, 2015
    7
    First I have to say the last two episodes did surprise me in a good way. The pilot left me feeling a little discouraged, but I am a fan of the comic and I like that the creator is on board in a creative position. Translating comics to television isn't easy, but I think Powers is starting to get it reasonably right, leaning on the police procedural format keeps it grounded and the characterFirst I have to say the last two episodes did surprise me in a good way. The pilot left me feeling a little discouraged, but I am a fan of the comic and I like that the creator is on board in a creative position. Translating comics to television isn't easy, but I think Powers is starting to get it reasonably right, leaning on the police procedural format keeps it grounded and the character interaction is starting to click especially between Deena Pilgrim and Christian Walker. They changed some things around from the comic but it works and if your looking for something different to watch without the Disney stamp give Powers a chance.… Expand
  19. OurEntity
    Jul 29, 2015
    9
    51 my butt, this show ABSOLUTELY without a shadow of a doubt deserves a 75 score. It may had started off a bit rough and had a few 'scripted' parts but with that a side, it was awesome. Very unique. Different, original, bold, thrilling, DARK!, and a bit darling.
    There were a few scenes that could had done without Sharlto Copley over acting abilities. However, Eddie Izzard did a AMAZING    51 my butt, this show ABSOLUTELY without a shadow of a doubt deserves a 75 score. It may had started off a bit rough and had a few 'scripted' parts but with that a side, it was awesome. Very unique. Different, original, bold, thrilling, DARK!, and a bit darling.
    There were a few scenes that could had done without Sharlto Copley over acting abilities. However, Eddie Izzard did a AMAZING job as wolfe. Wolf brought a whole different side to what a "villain" can be. In my opinion one of the top best 100 villains of all time.
    I am super excited to see what they are going to do for the second season and I encourage anyone who likes superhero/people with powers/sci-fi fans to watch this show. You just may find your new favorite show!    … Expand
  20. georgejcoles
    Jun 1, 2016
    9
    This show would be fantastic if it weren't for the work choice of actor for Susan Heyward failing to play the part of Deena Pilgrim. Apart from the major casting error the show is just great!

Awards & Rankings

42
#42 Most Discussed TV Season of 2015
79
#79 Most Shared TV Season of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
51

Mixed or average reviews - based on 13 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 4 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 13
  3. Negative: 1 out of 13
  1. The Hollywood Reporter
    Reviewed by: Keith Uhlich
    Mar 17, 2015
    40
    There’s rarely a moment when Powers doesn’t seem like a cheap knockoff of more fully realized extended universes.
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  2. The Wrap
    Reviewed by: Jason Hughes
    Mar 10, 2015
    70
    It is a refreshing amalgamation of the two genres that creates a fascinating exploration into the world of four-color comics by imagining what it might really be like to live among costumed superheroes and villains.
    Read full review
  3. The Huffington Post
    Reviewed by: Maureen Ryan
    Mar 10, 2015
    30
    The actors have no chemistry together and their characters lack the kind of depth and texture that a well-crafted TV project would have been able to give them. Various actors frequently have to deliver painful exposition dumps, the storytelling is often incoherent.
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